Ashlee Martin

I'm not exactly sure of the moment that I decided to become a therapist, but I always loved helping people and I was a "problem solver". I attended Ohio University, Double-Majoring in Health Administration and Communications. After College, I worked at a research hospital, but I soon realized that I needed "more" for my career path. I applied and was accepted to Graduate School for Counseling Education at the Citadel. It was the perfect fit and the best career decision I've ever made!

I get excited/passionate about working and helping clients that are open to reevaluating their lives and willing to do the tough work. I work with teens, young adults, and adults, helping them to overcome their depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, etc. I have specific skills and understanding of blended families, family dysfunction, separation/divorce, substance abuse, parenting and emotional abuse. I spent many years in long-term healthcare, so I also have an understanding of family transitions and the elderly.

I am 1 of a blended family of 7, so the kids keep my husband and I pretty busy! I still try to ensure that I block off some "me" time. Some things that I enjoy are gardening, painting furniture, searching for vintage furniture/accessories. These activities tap into my creative side and provide a sense of accomplishment and stress relief!

I have been faced with some very hard life situations, and the way that I overcame them, defines me most. Those situations have, and continue to build my strength and resilience. My history does not define me, but it does shape me.

My approach isn’t about a specific modality (CBT, ACT, TI, etc.). Those are tools. It is more about my philosophy behind how I use them. For me, It’s about helping people feel at home in themselves again. Healing isn’t becoming someone new or pretending the past didn’t happen. It’s integrating your experiences so they no longer dictate your identity, allowing you to live with greater freedom and authenticity. Rather than asking, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ I ask, ‘What happened to you, and how did you learn to survive it?’ Together, we explore the patterns that once served a purpose, honor the resilience it took to get here, and build a life where your past informs you without defining you.

The first session can sometimes feel disorganized, but I like for our first conversation to move organically. You will tell me whatever you want about your feelings and the issues you are dealing with and I will gather some background information. We will talk about what goals you want to accomplish in therapy, whether it be to communicate better, improve relationships or all of the above! My hope is that you to leave feeling that you have been heard, and that it provides relief to you in some way. I also hope that you feel positive and proud that you have taken the first step towards improving yourself. I always want my clients to leave our session together with a new tool to use or a thought that they can utilize and practice in their lives.